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Spanish national Angel Carromero has gone on trial in Cuba accused of manslaughter over the death of high-profile dissident Oswaldo Paya, according to BBC.

Mr Carromero has been in custody since 22 July when a car he was driving hit a tree and crashed, killing Mr Paya and another Cuban activist, Harold Cepero.

The trial was held in Bayamo, east of the capital Havana. The date of the court verdict is yet to be announced.

A dissident blogger was arrested on her way to the trial and later released.

The blogger, Yoani Sanchez, is known for highlighting issues affecting young Cubans on the communist-run island.

The pro-government blog Yohandry.com said she was arrested with her husband because they planned a "provocation" and "media show" that could endanger the credibility of the trial.

They were released 30 hours later, according to Ms Sanchez's Twitter account.

The trial in Bayamo - close to where the fatal accident happened - lasted one day.

Mr Carromero, 27, the head of the youth wing of Spain's ruling Popular Party, told the court he felt "profound sorrow for the unfortunate accident that took place."

But he denied that he had been speeding at the time, as alleged by prosecutors.

"The last time that I looked at my speedometer, I was not going faster than 80 or 90km/h (50-55mph)," he said.

"I have lost a lot during this time, and I'm going to lose even more, but nothing in comparison with the pain felt by the families involved."

Spanish consul Tomas Rodriguez, who was observing the trial, said: "We will see how it all comes out. We are optimistic."